The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), in partnership with the China Resources Research Institute of Science and Technology (CRRIST) and a company specialising in space biotechnology, entered into an agreement to collaborate on scientific experiments related to space.
The agreement aims to facilitate university research participation in the national space programme, contributing to national scientific progress and using the outcomes for the betterment of society.
The cooperation agreement was signed by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of CUHK, the Vice President and Vice Dean of CRRIST, and the Vice President and General Manager of the space biotechnology firm. The agreement, which is valid for five years, aims to support CUHK-related experimental projects and conduct experiments in space. Upon the return of samples to Earth, the research team will conduct follow-up research.
The Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK emphasised that the university’s participation in the national space experiment project will allow it to benefit from the research expertise of its internationally renowned professors. Furthermore, the project will enable CUHK to make contributions to the country’s major research topics and innovative technologies while deepening its understanding of cutting-edge space technology challenges.
The project will also help CUHK integrate into the overall development of national science and technology, enhance its reputation for international scientific and technological innovation, and attract more young students to participate in scientific and technological innovation. Ultimately, this will promote Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology hub.
The Chairman and CEO of the enterprise arm of the Institute’s parent company highlighted the importance of establishing a long-term cooperation mechanism between the three parties. He expressed his commitment to fully leveraging the advantages of all parties through cross-disciplinary cooperation and using the space station as a platform for scientific exploration.
The goal is to integrate different technologies into space science solutions or products, combining industry with research and development, and empowering CUHK’s high-quality scientific and technological innovation projects while accelerating the growth of scientific research.
Moving forward, the parties will prioritise national strategic needs and allocate resources appropriately from the perspective of technology and industry integration. They will also explore industry-university cooperation in areas such as training, sharing of achievements, and complementary resources to help Hong Kong’s innovation and technology industry integrate into national development and explore the opportunities brought by the dual circulation economy of domestic and international markets.
The General Manager of the space biotechnology company highlighted that the collaboration will effectively leverage the brand effect of space technology and the space biological experiment service platform to enhance the strength and influence of innovative technology projects at CUHK.
They will also use the advantages of space biology in return for satellite and space-carrying resources, as well as innovative capabilities in space microbial fermentation technology. The ultimate goal is to develop new products, promote high-quality economic development, and help China’s biotechnology innovation enter a new stage of development.
The tripartite agreement marks a significant milestone in the field of space-related scientific experiments. This long-term cooperation mechanism will allow the parties to fully leverage their respective strengths and expertise through cross-disciplinary cooperation, using the space station as a platform for scientific exploration.
By integrating different technologies into space science solutions or products, this collaboration aims to accelerate the growth of scientific research, promote high-quality economic development, and help China’s biotechnology innovation enter a new stage of development. It is an exciting development that will benefit society and contribute to the overall development of national science and technology.